2003 Honda Insight vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz R
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz R is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Honda Insight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Honda Insight would be higher. At 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz R is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz R (504 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 437 more horse power than 2003 Honda Insight. (67 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz R should accelerate faster than 2003 Honda Insight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz R weights approximately 1535 kg more than 2003 Honda Insight. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Mercedes-Benz R is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Honda Insight. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz R will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2006 Mercedes-Benz R (630 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 507 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Honda Insight. (123 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz R will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Honda Insight. 2006 Mercedes-Benz R has automatic transmission and 2003 Honda Insight has manual transmission. 2003 Honda Insight will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercedes-Benz R will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Honda Insight | 2006 Mercedes-Benz R | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Insight | R |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 995 cc | 6208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 504 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 2375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 3220 mm |
